Isn’t brown transferware just gorgeous for fall?  The earthy tones are perfect for a lovely Thanksgiving table, but too much transferware can be stuffy if you take it too seriously.

On the “table” below, I’ve added solid bright colors for a modern flair, and some whimsical decorations of vintage corks and real antlers.  Taken as a group, the arrangement gives your eye something to stop at (the solids) and something to ponder (the antlers).  Imagine how different this look would be with a lace tablecloth and a traditional cornucopia centerpiece!

Contrast is everything when you want to decorate in an innovative, fresh way.  Take a peek at any Pottery Barn catalog to see what I mean.  As traditional as the items may be, there is always something unusual tucked in among them to create interest, and convince the buyer that “traditional” doesn’t have to mean “stodgy.”